UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN ETHIOPIA/ERITREA (UNMEE)

Fighting between Ethiopia and Eritrea erupted in May 1998 as a result of a border dispute. The Secretary General immediately contacted the leaders of countries, urging restraint and offering assistance in resolving the conflict peacefully. Accordingly, in June 2000, after two years of fighting, Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a cessation of hostilities agreement following proximity talks led by Algeria and the Organization of African Unity. In July 2000, the Security Council set up UNMEE to maintain liaison with the parties and established a mechanism for verifying the ceasefire.

In September 2000, the council authorised deployment of military personnel including military observers, infantry battalions and necessary support units within UNMEE to monitor the cessation of hostilities and to help ensure the observance of security commitments. 04 x BAF officers were detailed for UNMEE as observer and 02 x airmen as PA to FC. Observers of BAF performed their duties smoothly and satisfactorily as assigned by the UN.